Champions, Ajax-Benfica 0-1: goal by Nunez, mistake by Onana. Portuguese in the quarterfinals

Dominating for over 70 minutes was not enough for Ajax, mocked by Nunez (but what a mistake Onana coming out!) On one of the few occasions Benfica had, and so the elimination from the Champions League tastes like a mockery. Portuguese in the quarterfinals with the minimum wage in attack, but also a great game in the defensive phase.

assault ajax

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We started from 2-2 of the first leg. The first half was an Ajax monologue. The Dutch crushed Benfica, who after a few attempts to move forward closed like a hedgehog to protect the last twenty meters with all their players, especially with Weigl, who acted as a second screen in front of the defenders. Thus, all the dirty balls thrown into the area were won by the Benfica players. Ajax, after having had a goal from Haller canceled in the 7th minute for just offside, pushed continuously, tried to open the Portuguese defense, but had to insist with long shots to try to surprise Vlachodimos. No really difficult saves have been seen. Indeed, in the final minutes it was Onana who intervened in the small area to remove the ball from Otamendi’s head. Zero to zero perhaps a liar, but Benfica defended themselves carefully and effectively.

onana, what a mistake

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Benfica did not change their tactical attitude at the start of the second half: the team remained compact, with two very tight lines, but obviously struggled to lean forward. When there was the possibility, however, Benfica managed to create some apprehension at Ajax (header from Vertonghen to cut the small area). Antony, Tadic and Haller tried various solutions to get the shot with the necessary freedom. After the hour of play, Antony – with the lead – just touched the intersection of the posts. Later Gravenberch, rushing out of the box, sought a penalty, but the referee did not take the bait. The joke, for Ajax, materialized in the 77th minute, when Nunez headed up a free-kick beaten by Grimaldo and mocked Onana, who got out badly. Fatal mistake.